The Arguably Eternal Style of JFK

On this long holiday weekend we revisit this 2013 post, which is dedicated to longtime reader RM. * * * Earlier this month the Dallas Morning News did a style tribute to JFK. There’s plenty to nitpick in the story, including the awkwardly oxymoronic line that Kennedy’s style influence is “arguably eternal,” but there were


Piece Together $185 For Gant’s Upcycle Patchwork Collection

This fall Gant has given an eco spin on the patchwork preppy classic. Just as old school items, according to Paul Winston of Chipp, were often made from scraps of old cloth, Gant’s new limited-edition, one-of-a-kind shirts are “upcycled” from fabric shirtings in the company’s archives. To purchase a shirt — which manages to be


The Kennedy Curse

The New York Post reports today on more drink-fueled shenaningans in the Kennedy clan — including the recent arrests of Max and Caroline for disorderly conduct — along with a history of the family’s near constant state of scandal. Writes the Post of the family’s Hyannis Port hijinks: The privileged air of those carrying the


A Shot Of Ol’ Kentucky

Whenever I make my annual pilgrimage to the Bluegrass state I play “My Old Kentucky Home” as I cross the bridge over the Ohio River from Indiana. The racialized original version, not the sanitized one played for the world to hear at Derby (locals never refer to it as “The Derby,” or even “The Kentucky


Four Easy Pieces

This photo of a young Mike Nichols is a fine illustration of bold simplicity. Although it’s the height of GTH season, and you’re likely reading this while wearing patch madras, do take note of the discreet combination of striped buttondown, solid tie (presumably in black or navy), and tank-style watch. Three classic, simple pieces that add




Former J. Press Manufacturer Julius Hertling, 1925-2017

Last week saw the passing of Julius Hertling at the age of 92. His eponymous menswear manufacturing firm made clothing for J. Press for decades. Richard Press invited me to join him at the memorial service for his longtime friend and colleague, where he had this to say about the man he affectionately called “Julie”:


We’ve Still Got A World That Swings

Today we lost legendary comedian Jerry Lewis at the age of 91. But the world still swings, thanks to the filmography he left behind, including this swanky number from 1963’s “The Nutty Professor.” — CC


Southern Business Casual

Keeping the Virginia theme going, a sharp-eyed reader sent a link to this photo of House Of Delegates Clerk G. Paul Nardo, who gave the press a tour of the new Pocahontas Building in Richmond wearing a patch-madras sportcoat. Now that’s Southern Business Casual. — CC


Southern Hospitality: A Visit To Eljo’s

In Charlottesville, VA, resides the legendary menswear shop Eljo’s, whose wares are succintly described on the store’s front sign: “traditional clothes.” Founded by brothers Elliot and Joseph Hyman in 1950, the shop has changed locations twice and is currently located just off the bustling Barracks Road shopping district. Eljo’s features an assortment of Ivy and


Message From Charlottesville

“Charlottesville” is a long-time and much-respected commenter here at Ivy Style. He is a true Southern Gentleman, a lawyer who married his high school sweetheart, and a devout Episcopalian. I’ve had the pleasure of sharing drinks with him on one of his regular visits to New York, as well as many correpondences. He left the


Japanese Ivy News Roundup

Following the Boston Magazine Vineyard Vines profile and Garden & Gun OPH interview, we’ve one more batch of media pieces to catch up on. They concern Japanese Ivy, and are excellent, lengthy pieces well worth your time. First off, Lapham’s Quarterly has a piece by “Ametora” author W. David Marx called “The Climb Of Ivy,” which


Gentlemen, Start Your Engines: Rally Around The Ivy League 2017

  Want to take a unique motoring vacation through the Northeast next month? There’s still a chance to register for the Rally Around The Ivy League tour. “The window of opportunity is still open a crack,” says organizer Timothy Cataldo. “Call immediately on 203.451.5127 or email johnnymustard@oldscooltour.com to reserve your spot now!” Below is Cataldo’s description of


Southern Exposure: The OPH Book Tour Below The Mason Dixon Line

Several Facebook group members have alerted me to a story on Lisa Birnbach and “The Official Preppy Handbook” in Garden & Gun magazine. I assumed it was a new story, but in fact it dates to 2015. Perhaps it was from the print edition and was just recently archived online. Quotes Birnbach in the piece:


First ImPRESSions

The first stages of construction have begun that will return J. Press to its rightful place on 44th Street. 


What Now? The Uncertain Future Of Neo-Prep

In light of the recent Boston Magazine article on Vineyard Vines, we revisit DCG’s first Millennial Fogey column, from November 2013. * * * To speak of preppy-with-a-twist among trad purists is to garner reactions ranging from “What does this have to do with Ivy style?” to “Stop wasting my Internet, I want to look