Preppy Evangelist: The Lisa Birnbach Interview

Given all the preppy ’80s talk lately, we revisit this 2010 interview with Lisa Birnbach, which was done about six months before the release of True Prep. The interview was subsequently used as part of the book’s press kit. — CC * * * IS: How did the new book come about? LB: It came


Genuine Falsehood: Menswear’s Obsession With Authenticity

I was going to say that Americans today are obsessed with authenticity. It’s probably more accurate to say “people” in place of “Americans,” our global network of friends growing so wide, and so homogenous along the way, that the cultural differences that separate our nation from the broader global economy seem ever smaller. For all


That’s Not Who I Am: NY Times On The ’80s Preppy Craze

Our run of ’80s-themed posts continues thanks to the New York Times, which ran an essay on the OPH yesterday. Writer James Poniewozik links the book to a brief moment of transition in American history out of the dark ’70s and into the era of Reagan, “Dynasty,” Alex P. Keaton and popped polo collars. Writes


Still Preoccupied With 1985

On Saturday we took a look at a Sperry ad from 1985, and now here we are a couple days later and still preoccupied with Sperry — and 1985. Don’t get what I’m referring to? Here you go. Upon seeing Saturday’s post, contributor BC sent in this shot of him in ’85 wearing a Sperry


Friends in High Places: “Cheerful Money” Reviewed

Today we revisit this post from 2010 on the rise and fall of WASPdom. * * * Very belatedly I’m finally getting around to a post on Tad Friend’s “Cheerful Money: Me, My Family, and the Last Days of WASP Splendor,” which was released last year. Like the tribe of WASPs itself, Friend and his


Don’t Miss The Boat

According to Esquire, there’s a boat shoe trend going on. Of course, they’re not your father’s boat shoes. That’s probably because not much that was once your father’s is your father’s anymore. From Esky: Though a staid classic of maritime casual wear, and a favorite among style icons like JFK and Paul Newman, they have,


A Second Look At Take Ivy, Ivy Illustrated, And The OPH

Today we revisit this 2010 post by Tokyo-based W. David Marx, who went on to write the book “Ametora.” * * * Compared to Western fashion magazines, Japanese magazines often get very specific about how to achieve a certain look. Editors and stylists do not just play with themes, as with most fashion editorial, but


News Roundup: Jazz, Movies, Clothes

We’ve got a handful of news items to get through. Where to start? How about with the 30th anniversary of “Dead Poets Society.” The Guardian has a tribute, writing: Like Weir’s other film based in and around an exclusive private school, the more enigmatic Picnic at Hanging Rock, education is viewed as a pivotal but


Tribal Factions: The WASP vs. The Trad

Nomenclature in Tradsville is a tricky thing, and depends largely on your point of view. Those who like hair-splitting will tell you that a short-sleeved gingham shirt is Trad but not Preppy. Likewise, bit loafers are WASPy but not Ivy. Fair points to an extent, though it gets tedious pretty fast, and bloggers and forum posters


Postcard From Santiago

This distinguished gentleman was discovered and shared on our Facebook page, where he was much admired save for the few members who work in law, accounting, or other corporate environments, and resent men who have beards, and say that a gentleman must be clean-shaven. This, as Ibsen would put it, is the noble lie they


Perfect Form: The Best Dressed Golfer of 1936

AldenPyle of Andy’s Trad Forum, one of the most diligent ransackers of the LIFE archives, recently dug up some photos of the 1936 National Amateur Golf Championship at the Garden City Golf Club. The winner was John W. Fischer, who took the cup not only for his fine form on the fairway, but for being


Relic Hunting

Earlier this week the Wall Street Journal ran a piece that cause quite a bit of discussion in our Facebook group. For starters, there’s the headline: “Why admiring Cary Grant’s style ages you.” Apparently the concept of timeless style has turned out to be a false one. Alan Flusser coined the term “permanent fashion” to


The College Man’s Guide to Life

Back in 2010 we compiled these words of wisdom from Ivy Style readers. They’re aimed at the college men of today and are as timeless as ever.  Feel free to leave a comment and add to the wisdom. * * * Wake up every morning thinking the day has the potential to be the best


HSM Archives Finale: A Youthful Look of Slim Straightness

When I first moved to New York in late 2009 the Hartmarx Corporation gave me a couple of private views of their advertising archives. These are the last images I was able to grab. They date from the 1950s and document the trend in menswear to the natural-shouldered look. The final document has a nice breakdown


Trend Forecast Alert: Fred Rogers Style

The Mr. Rogers film trailer has “dropped,” as the kids say. “A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood,” starring Tom Hanks as Fred Rogers, is scheduled for a Thanksgiving release. Expect a fall fashion trend of collar pins, bow ties, penny loafers and blue canvas sneakers, and cardigans (alas zippered). 


The Grass Is Greener In Newport

This past week has been the Hall of Fame Open, a professional men’s tennis tournament at the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport. Being a 250-level stop on the ATP tour, the event boasts being the only professional tournament played on grass outside of Europe. Along with the tennis, there are other events and


We Are Old Men Who Are Dressed Like Fashion Gods

The above headline is our comment of the week courtesy of “Old School Tie.” This is the energy that should course through us every time we get dressed! Let me tell you a little story. Two summers ago the small remains of my family vacationed together in Newport. I’d been there before, to attend the


Cyrus in Cyprus, Junior the DA

In 2009 The New York Times ran a profile on Manhattan District Attorney elect Cyrus Vance, Jr. that makes a passing reference to Brooks Brothers and Chipp. In Ivy-Style’s interview with Chipp’s Paul Winston, Vance Senior, who served as Secretary of State in the Carter administration, was mentioned as a frequent customer. Though Winston recalls making


SETI Style

Recent posts have centered around film, NASA and pipesmoking. Well last night I found a little tidbit that ties them all together. I don’t have cable TV or any streaming services, so if I find myself without a DVD from Netflix, I’ll sometimes walk to my local thrift shop and “rent” a movie, just like in