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

Wednesday, March 27, 2024

Which items haven't been ruined over time?

 A reader question:

Dear Editor,

I was looking at an old copy of M: The Civilized Man from December 1988. The cover story was 100 Things they haven’t ruined yet.  It list a gauntlet of  things. Some on your list have posted about how todays items are not the same as old days. Such as LL Bean and Brooks.  I was wondering what item holds up with time?  They have not ruined them?

Monday, March 25, 2024

A Few Nautical Things

Photos by Salt Water New England
Shown:



 

Freeport Watch: Sea Bags

Photos by Salt Water New England
Sea Bags have exploded in popularity recently, with stores in Portland, Kennebunkport, Boothbay Harbor, Camden, Rockland, Bar Harbor;  the North Shore and South Shore of Boston, the Cape, the Vineyard; Watch Hill, Newport; Florida; California; the mid-Atlantic; Burlington, Vermont for sailing on Lake Champlain; and along the Great Lakes in Michigan.  But they are still all cut, assembled, and hand-stitched in Maine.

While there are a great number of new designs they have added, I prefer their original approach  – what is now called "vintage" – which are bags made from recycled sails.  (Bring in your old sails, where they'll be weighed and you'll be paid.  And you'll get a bag made out of your sails.)

They're solidly made and have natural colored hand-spliced rope handles which wrap around the entire bag for durability.  The Freeport, Maine store, shown here, is a pleasure to visit and the people exceptionally nice.
  

Friday, March 22, 2024

Monday, March 18, 2024

Wellies / Rain Boots (r)

Le Chameau - Photos by Salt Water New England

Thursday, March 14, 2024

How to pack lightly for a trip to Cape Code in early June?

 A reader question:

Good afternoon Muffy,

I hope you are doing well. I have a question for the community. I'm excited to be going on a bus trip to Cape Cod Jun3rd- Jun8th.  I'll start off on a plane, then go to a touring bus. I like traveling light as I usually do not check my bags when I fly. And I live in the Midwest, so I have a capsule wardrobe for all 4 seasons. I've never been to this area before and would love suggestions on what to pack. Thank you and take care!

New England Ski Mountains, Resorts, and Traditions

 A reader question:

Which ski traditions, mountains/resorts/areas has the community traditionally cherished in New England? I grew up skiing at Stowe and I understand it has suffered much development in recent years. Thankfully, Mount Mansfield and the physical runs remain much the same. Yes, I’ve been out west, but Eastern skiing remains grittier and more authentic . I’m sure this community will agree.

Monday, March 11, 2024

The Cordings Men's Spring Shirt Promotion!

Photos by Salt Water New England
Cordings of Piccadilly has some lovely new shirts this season, and their Shirt Promotion has begun!  Buy two and get the third free!

Here are my top 5 picks (from top to bottom):