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Dive into the New Year by helping to support America's veterans!
I am very happy to announce that the OTC/Kobold watch auction is now live on eBay. Please make sure to stop by the auction's page and take a look - but don't wait too long because it ends on January 11.
It's a great opportunity to do some good and score a cool deal - Mike Kobold has generously donated a brand new Arctic Diver Swiss, logoed baseball hat and several expedition patches from Kobold sponsored arctic missions. All of the auction's proceeds - that's 100% - will go directly to the veteran's support group, The Mission Continues.
Kobold's Arctic Diver Swiss
If you are not familiar with The Mission Continues, here is a little background. Founded by Navy Seal officer, Rhodes Scholar and White House Fellow Eric Greitens, The Mission Continues recognizes that injured veterans still have a desire to serve their country and their community.
The Mission Continues awards fellowships to empower wounded and disabled veterans to serve in their communities. In doing so, they send the message: "We still need you." America owes these men and women a great deal, but as a nation, we have much left to learn from them. While injury may have changed the nature of their service, their mission continues, and it is as important as ever. To learn more, please visit The Mission Continues' website.
Kobold Watch Company and its founder, Mike Kobold, have a deep connection with the armed and protective services. Kobold’s watches are depended on by every branch of the military; in fact operators from elite units helped Kobold develop its renowned Phantom chronograph. A leading American boutique watch brand, Kobold’s signature watches grace the wrists of explorers, politicians, soldiers and celebrities.
Kobold watches are regularly profiled in leading international watch and lifestyle magazines and they are considered by many to be some of the best tool watches in the world. Kobold Watch is a proud supporter of the Navy SEAL Warrior Fund.
So please spread the word about this great auction, link to your own blog or website, tell a friend and let other veterans know about this great auction - and about The Mission Continues.
Happy New Year everyone! I can't believe it, but OTC has been up and running for nearly four year and has grown far beyond my initial expectations.
With more than 17,000 monthly readers in 40 countries, I have gained many new friends and had the privilege of helping a whole to of guys.
I have also come to appreciate that personal style, wardrobe and the small things that make up one's own look are far more important than most of us ever realize. My goal of creating a modern resource for classic style continues to come true and I have all of you to thank. OTC will continue to grow and expand, but one thing that will never change is my commitment to presenting timeless, classic style in a modern and practical manner. I also will use OTC as a platform to promote great brands, great ideas and great causes.
To that end, I need your help. OTC is honored to be working with the Kobold Watch Company to auction a new Arctic Diver watch for the benefit of the highly acclaimed veterans support group The Mission Continues. The auction will run January 4-9, 2010 - so mark your calendar!
All proceeds from this auction will go directly to The Mission Continues to help fund their community-based fellowship programs which support injured veterans across the country.
Mike Kobold, founder of Kobold Watch, which has a long-standing relationship with the Navy SEALs and a dedicated following across all branches of the military, personally donated the Arctic Diver watch for auction along with a signature Kobold baseball hat and Kobold-sponsored expedition patches.
Once the E-Bay link is live, I will post it here - so keep an eye out and get ready to dive into a new year!
I recently talked about the of v-neck sweaters, one of your cold weather wardrobe’s most versatile tools. It is, however, not the only option when it comes to lightweight or mid-weight sweaters. The other option is of course the standard against which all sweaters are measured – the crewneck sweater.The crewneck sweater is a classic staple of men’s wardrobes everywhere. Based on the most basic of stylistic designs, this woven outer shirt is about as strait forward as a garment can be. And to me that is its enduring benefit; it can work with almost any outfit and easily be paired with jeans or grey flannels.
A good crewneck should have a lightly fitted body and trim arms, but not too tight. The hem of the sweater should sit at your waist with room to allow for sitting, stretching etc., but should not blouse over the ribbed bottom. This effect is unattractive on anyone and gives the impression that either you don’t know you own size (legitimately, a common and unfortunate problem for many guys) or that borrowed someone else’s sweater. Neither impression is a positive one.The sweater should fit comfortably over an oxford shirt yet still allow for easy movement while maintaining a close fit. I like my sweater’s arms to either run a touch long so that I can turn back a good amount of cuff or end right at the wrist and allow some shirt sleeve to show. Anything in between tends to look out of proportion on me.
Modern fit (Zanone)The neck is an area that merits additional attention. Some makers have neck lines that appear designed to strangle anyone foolish enough to stick their head through, while others seem to feel that wide gaping holes are somehow attractive. The ideal is a neck that allows the collar of your shirt to sit comfortably within, while the sweater itself offers a clean, firm neck hole that won’t easily lose its shape.
A good neckRegarding fabrics, lamb’s wool is a solid standby and tends to be the most affordable of classic sweater materials. It is light and warm but rough enough to avoid being particularly formal. Merino wool is an excellent material and many of my favorite sweaters are made of merino. But by almost anyone’s standard, cashmere is really the gold standard. One- or two-ply is more than enough for the average office dweller. Three-ply cashmere sweaters are often hawked this time of year, but don’t fall for it. Pictures of handsome people frolicking in snowy New England winters do no good while you are sweating up a storm in your climate controlled office building – every day.
J. Press (t) & J. Crew (b)When it comes to looks and construction, there are many different styles of crewnecks; from simple to elaborate, paper thin to bomb proof. After much thought, I have concluded that there are only two really useful styles: flat knit and cabled in solid colors.A few years ago, during an after-Christmas sale, I came across a beautiful, chunky lamb’s wool Irish fisherman style sweater. It was a steal and I bought it. It didn’t take me long to realize that I couldn’t wear the thing anywhere except outside on a cold day. It weighed a ton and trapped too much heat. The upshot? Unless you actually are an Irish fisherman or really do work outside, give this heavy style a pass.A mid- or lightweight cabled sweater is a much better choice and is simply more usable. You can find them in every color under the sun; from preppy primaries to English heathers. Classics brands like Brooks Brothers, J. Press, Ralph Lauren and J. Crew offer a wide variety of this timeless model and each maker has its own take on the classic shape. Where Brooks’ might run a little roomy, like its oxfords, J. Crew is likely more fitted.
The same goes for flat knit sweaters. These seamless, modern versions can give you a more modern look while still hewing to a traditional silhouette. Like the cabled crewneck, they are incredibly versatile and mix well with different materials. Flat knits in particular are good to have around because, if you want to go with a more casual look, they can also act as a grownup sweatshirt – relaxed but not sloppy.
Sweatshirt alternative (Banana Republic)
Younger designers focused on the resurgence of American Ivy League style are just as enamored with crewnecks. Michael Bastian makes a great version and Zanone, part of Italian brand Incotex, makes the washed cashmere version in the top image.
Michael Bastian's (l) take on preppy
Crewnecks also adapt well to layering, though don’t work as well as a v-neck if you want to sport a tie underneath. Like most pieces of classic preppy clothing, crewneck sweaters are a smart investment that will be in style long after their better days are behind them. But, that’s the charm of classic clothes: they get better with age.
A quick note for those of you who are fans of the outstanding French language blog, Parisian Gentleman; Hugo is going English. Not entirely of course, but in response to reader requests, he'll be posting several of his most popular columns in English.
Hugo is an excellent writer and brings a comfortably elegant, candle-lit approach to the topic of menswear. Whenever I read his articles I imagine myself living in a old pre-war flat just off the Seine, tucked into an old leather chair with a glass of port next to me - staring out my balcony's French doors at the Tour Eiffel blink in the night.
The first translated article is already up: The Paradoxical Nature of Bespoke: A School of Discretion and Humility
I am equally happy to announce that Hugo will be posting some classic Off The Cuff columns on Parisian Gentleman, translated into French. Please take a moment to swing by and take a look at this exciting Anglo-Fances menswear collaboration.
As we roll full speed into the holiday season, I'll be pointing out a few great brands that offer something a little different in the gift giving department. Case in point - Hugh Simms' handmade ties.
In fact, they are handmade right in the middle of Los Angeles - a fitting tribute to the brand's Made In America philosophy. Hugh Simms launched his 2009 signature "Caulfield" collection of neckties to a very receptive audience.
The distinctive and narrow ties attracted the attention of many fashion insiders as they incorporated Simms’ “Ivy League Grit” style - classic prep school patterns with a disheveled American edge - with their own.
The Caulfield Collection is available at www.HUGHSIMMS.com and plans are in the works for several limited engagements in LA, New York City and Miami. His ties are also being carried in Kitson and Fred Segal - not bad by any stretch. Like any good designer these days, he also plans on rolling out a home accessories line in the near future.
** Hugh is offering a special discount for OTC readers. Just use the code HOLIDAY when ordering off the company's website and save 40%! This special deal expires after Christmas, so act now. **
Hugh is a very interesting guy who really does not fit the mold of an LA fashion designer. In fact, on paper, it's more likely he would be teaching history at Deerfield Academy. I spoke with Hugh about his ties and the idea behind his "Ivy League Grit" style.A distant grandson of Lord Baltimore, the founder of Maryland, Simms prides himself on his East Coast roots. In 1997, after attending one the country's leading prep schools, Simms followed in his father’s footsteps and attended the Cornell School of Hospitality Administration, where he focused on business law and minored in wines.
The designer looking very LA
After a stint in the hotel business, he became an independent designer working on various projects. Eventually winding up in Los Angeles, Hugh attended the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising and there developed his signature “Ivy League Grit” style.
When I spoke with Hugh about his design business and its inspiration, I noted that his "Ivy League Grit" look was similar to the world of Rugby, the Ralph Lauren brand. Hugh agreed that the feel is similar, but his goal is not to target teens looking for a theatrical retro fad, "Rugby is a more of a pretty boy younger, high school/collegiate market," said Simms. "I aim to create a lifestyle brand and clothing for those a bit older, rougher, and with a mindset of intelligence is sexy. I target an older clientele, 25-40; more Clive Owen and Daniel Craig then Zac Efron."
I pointed out that Drakes London, another excellent tie maker, also makes its local domestic production a point of pride. "Like Drakes I pride myself on my area. I have a strong group of craftsmen and women in Los Angeles and will never stray from the city. With the economy I believe people really do care about the made in USA provenance," he said.
The unique thing about Simms' ties is that they are distinctly casual; unusual for a handmade, very high quality necktie. While I have worn my "Rusty Gate" tie under a sweater and loosely tied with an oxford and jeans, this is not a business suit tie; unless of course you work in the fashion industry.
Simm's explained, "I created the tie ten inches longer to allow the end of the tie to be exposed. And a larger knot can be tied with an extra wrap around the knot which will easily adjust the look." It's a rough, even edgy, homage to the prep school look but perhaps too stylish for some. Personally, I like it - not for every day, but for when I want to have fun getting dressed without actually going casual.
What's next, I asked? "In the near future I'd like to do a bow tie, a very cool antique style pocket square and also cuff links. After that, I'll be focusing on menswear."
Target just opened its cool little pop up store in Georgetown today, at the corner of Wisconsin and M Streets.
Target has squeezed a custom designed mini Swiss chalet into the parking lot right next to Old Glory (great place to stop for lunch by the way).
There are only three of these pop-up stores in the entire country - San Fransisco, New York City and here in Washington, D.C. It runs for only three days and then, it's gone. So make sure to swing by and check it out. Also, if you follow their Twitter feed, you'll get clues for the Target Gift Tag Hunt to win gift cards worth $100, and even on worth $500.
Sure, you can pick up a neat little Billy Kirk wallet over at ACL's occasional pop up flea - but for the next three days you can get your hands on a limited supply of Target's top holiday 50 gifts. Everything is pre-wrapped and ready to go. When you arrive, you are handed a clipboard printed with images of all the items, organized in nice, orderly fashion. The "store" is basically a huge glass case stocked with numbered examples of all 50 gifts, so you can see them in person. Make you picks, walk over to the bank or registers, pay and you are ready to go.
Products range from the new Star Trek movie DVD to a mini Margarita kit to a quilted bathrobe to a new Wii Fitness Pack. Some of the items are so exclusive to this project that they aren't even in regular Target stores yet. Whatever price point you have in mind, they can probably cover it.
I stopped by for yesterday's press event and was really impressed with the whole operation. Staffed by Target employees from both the home office in Minnesota and local stores across our region, the pop-up Target has a fun, seasonally festive feel to it.
It's cold out right now, so make sure to stop by the pink Curbside Cupcakes truck for a awesome cupcake and hot chocolate.
With cooler weather firmly planting itself across the globe's Northern hemisphere, it’s time to break out the warm weather clothes. Even those of us who work in cozy climate controlled offices are feeling the need to layer.
One of the most versatile pieces of clothing that should be in your winter wardrobe is a fine gauge v-neck sweater. Just like having a pair of classic dark washed jeans that can take you from office casual to drinks at the Ritz, a classic v-neck sweater will cover a lot of bases without overdoing it.
Now, I’m not talking about a chunky ski sweater or that shapeless holdover used for yard work. You should look on this sweater as alternative dress clothing; something lightweight, lightly fitted and soft.
Cashmere is the best choice of course, but depending on quality and brand name, it can be very expensive. And don’t bother with double and triple thick cashmere unless you are spending lots of time outdoors. Most of us are wearing these indoors at work or home and the extra thickness will only make you extra warm. If price is an issue, merino wool is as an alternative to cashmere. Look for tightly knit fabric that is soft to the touch and has a comfortable fit.
Stick with solids at first – grey, brown, navy blue, and black. Once you have the basics in place, add an argyle for that college professor look. Indeed, this season there is a fair amount of variety when it comes to knits and texture and you can add some flair to your wardrobe with cables, heathers, and rough-weaves. Classics like crew necks, sweater vests and cardigans are all in style this season as well, so make sure to check out of your options.
Fair Isle in earth tones
The v-neck sweater is a timeless piece that, when chosen carefully, can be happily used for years. Several seasons back a deeper “v” was favored, while these days a higher neck line is preferred. Generally speaking, I like the “v” to fall about two inches (roughly 5 cm) from the neck line as it provides room for a shirt collar to spread out while at the same time still containing it.
Argyle casual
A little more modern
Wear it over a tee shirt with those dressy jeans and you’re pulling off George Clooney-like cool. For a classic preppy look, throw it over an oxford and head off to a lunch meeting. If you are having dinner at a nice place but a jacket is still too formal, reach for your v-neck as the perfect compromise. Regardless, you’re good to go with this classically flexible layer.
Dive into the New Year by helping to support America's veterans!
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