Photo by Muffy Aldrich
The Modern Guide to The Thing Before Preppy

Monday, April 15, 2024

What locations would be on a Preppy Atlas of New England?

 A reader question.

Dear Muffy,

 It seems like there are iconic or historically meaningful locations that have been pivotal to the evolution of the preppy culture.   You have shown some of them here, Murray’s Toggery in Nantucket, Choate, the Guilford green, the gravestone of  Thomas Dudley, The University Club in New York, the site of the first Harvard-Yale Regatta in 1852, South Beach on Martha's Vineyard, the rowing boathouses along the Charles River.  What are others, like Phillips Exeter, Brooks Brothers' original New York location, Newport's Rosecliff Mansion where scenes from The Great Gatsby (1974)  were shot, and the John F. Kennedy's Hyannis compound? The more wonky the better!

 

Sunday, April 14, 2024

A Reader Thought

A reader thought:

Dear Muffy, 

May I share with your readers, that in this increasingly violent and dangerous world in which we live (here in the UK we have reports of stabbings on our streets every day now - luckily guns are difficult to get hold of) where we appear to be on the brink of world war three, it is a joy to have this little oasis of peace and tranquility where people can share their views on how they like to dress, the things that they love to own and love to do and the worst thing we can bicker about is who should and who shouldn't be wearing a Cordings tweed jacket. 

May I wish you and your family and my fellow readers a peaceful and joyous Sunday and pray for peace in our troubled world

Best wishes

Saturday, April 13, 2024

You can have a sweater in any color you want, as long as it's Aran.

Photos by Salt Water New England


 

Waiting for sandwiches...

Photo by Salt Water New England

 

Thursday, April 11, 2024

Wednesday, April 10, 2024

The Magic Tote Bag from Via No. 9

Photos by Salt Water New England

There are so many good things to say about these totes.   The trim color options are vast and the hues are particularly good.  The unique shape, with its wide base, makes for a very easy to use bag.  The canvas is a sturdy 24 ounce.  The snap closures are also substantial.  And they are made in Los Angeles.  

Offered in bright and pretty trim colors as well as more subdued colors, they are used by men and women alike.  A perfect pocketbook on one hand,  and I am told,  an equally good bag for fly fishing.

Already a favorite warm weather bag.


 

Tuesday, April 9, 2024

"Old money English upper-class style" (The Guardian) including Cordings Clothing in Guy Ritchie’s series The Gentlemen.

Muffy Aldrich wearing her Cordings Wincanton Tweed

"Heritage checks and tweeds, sharp tailoring and expensive watches – shoppers are increasingly seeking to emulate the old money English upper-class style portrayed in Guy Ritchie’s hit Netflix series The Gentlemen." - The Gentlemen creates surge in sales for upper-class fashion <https://www.theguardian.com/fashion/2024/mar/31/netflix-the-gentlemen-sales-english-upper-class-fashion>

"It's discreet, stylish and very, very British - so no wonder hit Netflix show The Gentlemen has reached for the Royal fashion wardrobe..." - <https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13259543/Discreet-stylish-Netflix-Gentlemen-Royal-wardrobe.html>

I have received so many questions about what The Guardian refers to as "Old money English upper-class style," from old readers and new.   Guy Ritchie’s series 'The Gentlemen' has prompted questions about where to get such featured items as the Cordings Wincanton Tweed and Cordings Follifoot.

Here are links to those posts:

But I have also been asked about other examples of this style, and how to wear them in today's world.  As the more experienced SWNE readers know, the label 'Canon' focuses on the Sloane side of our Preppy Sloane world.

Monday, April 8, 2024

A Good Leather Belt?

A reader question::

Dear Editor: 

What are some recommendations for a good leather belt? I am looking for a bridle belt that can be worn both professionally and casually, that is 1” or 1.25” wide, and most importantly that is durable without warping quickly? I have tried the J. Press calfskin belt, but it has warped and shows significant wear after just a year or two. Does anyone have experience with Cellar Leather or Tim Hardy belts? Any recommendations would be appreciated. 

Yours Sincerely, 

Sunday, April 7, 2024

Spring has arrived at Cordings!

Green Bamboo Leather Handbag, Made in Italy, and Fiona Devaux Shirt made with Liberty Tana Lawn
Photos by Salt Water New England
There are so many pretty new season arrivals at Cordings.  

Shown here are a few for the Ladies: