Preppies like to have their belts and pants embroidered with various motifs. There are spouting whales and signal flags, lobsters … More
Month: April 2012
Upper Class Twit of the Year
Monty Python’s Upper Class Twit of the Year Show suggests that the landed gentry – at least in England – have … More
Paul Fussell – Ties and Social Class
In his book Class: A Guide Through The American Status System, cultural critic Paul Fussell presents a concise analysis of … More
Real Hunter or Actor Boy Poseur?
I’ll lay odds this clown couldn’t hit the side of a barn with buckshot at 20 yards, and I’d let … More
The Classic Style of William Eggleston
This is a portrait of William Eggleston – one of my favorite photographers. It was shot by his cousin Maude … More
Confessions of a Preppy Tie-o-Holic
“Hi, my name is Preppy Croc, and I’m a tie-o-holic.” If you’ve never been to this meeting before, the correct … More
Follow Thrift Store Preppy on Twitter
Help spread the joy of preppy thrifting. Follow me on Twitter.
Thrifted Nautical Flag Belt – $3.99
My latest thrift purchase was a nautical flag belt – embroidered on leather with a webbed cotton backing and a … More
Thrifted Ralph Lauren Madras Plaid Tie – $6.99
I always check the tie rack of any thrift store because there will inevitably be a gem lurking among the … More
Interview with Lisa Birnbach
Matt Nelson interviewed Lisa Birnbach for Borders a few years back when True Prep was published, a book she co-authored … More
Class: A Guide Through the American Status System
In his unmercifully accurate 1983 book Class: A Guide Through The American Status System, Paul Fussell wrote about a fashion … More
Real Estate – Beach Comber
Beach Comber is from Real Estate’s 2009 debut album. They’re one of my favorite indie bands, a bit like the … More
Thrifting Plus Smart Retail Shopping
Thrifted items can be paired well with items purchased at retail, but it is always best to do your retail … More
Prepsploitation: Making The Grade (1984)
Making The Grade is another of the 80s preppy movies, but it was particularly bad, follwoing a cliche format of upper … More
Preppy 10 Commandments – Episcopal Style
Note: You need not be Episcopalian to follow these blessed commandments, for we are both traditional and prepumenical. We welcome … More
WASP Lessons – From People Like Us
PBS aired a fascinating documentary a few years ago: People Like Us – Social Class in America, taking on one … More
Thrifted Ribbon Belt, Polo Shirt and Khaki Shorts
For a total of $17.97, I recently thrifted a navy/cyan grosgrain ribbon belt ($4.99), an all cotton J. Crew polo … More
Know Your Prep Accents: Boston Brahmin
In the last few days, I’ve been focused on New England, posting about Nantucket Reds and their connection with sailing. … More
Brooks Brothers Madras Shirt Bought on eBay
I’ve been gearing up for summer lately. Some recent buys include a pair of patchwork madras shorts, a ribbon belt … More
History of Nantucket Reds
eBay Purchase: Nantucket Reds ($35.00)
I won an eBay auction today for a pair of original Nantucket Reds, a summer prep staple from Murray’s Toggery Shop. … More
Window Shopping at J. Press
Walking up Madison Avenue yesterday evening, my wife and I passed J. Press, the bastion of traditional men’s clothing. The … More
Whit Stillman and the Song of the Preppy
By CHIP BROWN – THE NEW YORK TIMES (3/16/12) Looking more like a wayward preppy trying to get into the … More
Brooks Brothers – Consignment Shop Find
At Columbia U. Consignments last fall, I found a Brooks Brothers bow tie with a maroon background and navy and … More
Southerners: Preppiest People on the Planet
I came across these photos on Fried Pink Tomato under a post titled “The Southern Preppy Bro.” This is conclusive … More
Is Brooks Brothers Old Guard or New Wave?
Huntington 3-Button Wool & Silk Sport Coat
This combination features a Huntington plaid sport coat of wool and silk in a spring/summer weight. The sport coat has … More
The Argument: The Prep Gets the Last Laugh
FORGET WHAT YOU THINK YOU KNOW ABOUT WHALE BELTS AND POPPED COLLARS. WHY NOW MORE THAN EVER NEW ENGLAND’S SINGULAR … More