External | "Go To Hell" Pants

Redingote has an article about the "Go To Hell"-pant, the embroidered pants that are a symbol of all things preppy. Maybe the perfect touch to re-new your wardrobe this summer?

And if your french's a bit rusty you don't have to worry. Just click the read more-button and you will find an english translation below. (Read)

It's time we get out of our long torpor. The world continues moving while we're absent. I'm sure you all haven't missed out on the opening of the new Ralph Laurenstore in Paris, an event that has titillated the entire internet-world of fashion for the last two weeks. We don't need to say anything more about that, except to advice you to go and take a look at 173 Boulevard Saint Germain. They've done a really nice job.

The opening also came at the right time, right in the middle of the craze for American clothing, for which Ralph Lauren

It is rather strange that the preppy wave that has been raging in France for quite some time hasn't yet reached into the corners of the upper-class world of clothing overseas. Even if they have paid into the false seersucker, heraldry and the more democratically college lettering, the collections of this movement have remained fairly conservative when it comes to pants. Chinos, denim, some velvet, but anything more daring than that has rarely been seen.

A real effort on the "go to hell" must have seemed a bit risky commercially but it would nevertheless have been a good way for a brand to get noticed, to affirm their understanding of this universe that's primarily composed of codes.

Obviously absent from Take Ivy, the bible of the genre (which will be reissued soon and which is available for pre-ordering), since the collection of pictures therein are from a university setting, therefore there isn't any question of finding one ounce of "go to hell", an attitude that is more country club or golf course, a kind of thumbing one's nose at the formal customs during the weekend.

It seems that opinions differ on it's true definition. Basically garish trousers, or even trousers made assembling various throws, it seems that today the name retains it's true meaning when referring to trousers adorned with small embroidered animals or objects, since the rest has become much more wearable and democratized.

First appearing in the 60's they can also be seen as one of the earliest examples of the humor of young WASPs wanting to mark a slight departure from the wardrobe of their parents.

Named by Tom Wolfe in an article for Esquire in 1976, Lisa Birnbach actually mentions them in "The Preppy Handbook" which she co-wrote. The specialist on the issue, Ivy Style, has an excellent and very exhaustive article on the "GTH"-style which will allow you to delve deeper into the subject.

In any case, it will be an excellent way to really push it to the limit this summer.

Classic | Ralph Lauren Polo Shirt

Though some people might view it as something only old people who are out golfing wear, nothing signals summer to me quite like a polo shirt. The timeless classic is perfected by Ralph Lauren who carries several different models, available in a wide range of colors, everything from deep lilac to a pristine white which means everybody can find their own favorite no matter if you want to keep it subtle or seek something more attention-grabbing.

For chillier days, you can try the double polo-look. Admittedly it takes a bit of confidence to pull off, but done right it can look great. And when the sun is burning, remember to fold up the collar to protect your neck. However you choose to wear it, this is a summer essential.

Object | Ralph Lauren - Vintage Varsity Shorts

While we're on the subject of great basics, few people does them as good as Ralph Lauren. These vintage varsity shorts are in a classic shape that will never get old or out-of-style and the quality is reliable as always when it comes to Ralph Lauren. The fit is pretty loose and comfortable which is perfect for shorts and the external branding is kept minimal with just the classic polo player embroidered on one of the legs.

Oi Polloi's stock of these is low at the moment, with only the XL available but they will get a re-stock on the 20th, including the khaki version. Consider this a friendly heads-up.

On The Hunt For: Braided Belt

A couple of days ago I found myself in desperate need of a new belt. Belts, I've found, are an easy way out when you feel that you need to update your wardrobe but, like me, feel to stressed out (read lazy) to start shopping for summer clothes. You can usually wear the belt with almost anything in your existing wardrobe and thus create new, fresh-looking outfits. Now, I've already got a number of belts: The mandatory black leather one, the dito brown leather version and some random canvas ones too but there is one that I realised I've been missing out on; the braided leather belt.

So I went browsing the world wide web (that wonderful place where you can find almost anything you're searching for or procrastinate countless hours telling yourself that you are, in fact, searching for something). Turns out there are plenty of good options out there.

First one I found was this one, from Ralph Lauren. Looked to be the perfect width but the color seemed just a bit too light for my taste. I usually prefer a darker shade of brown. Then there was Anderson's D Ring Woven Belt. The color was more to my liking, the width not so much. Asking around for advice, one of my friends sent me this picture (see above) of a beautiful chocolate brown suede braided belt. He didn't know where he'd gotten the picture but identified the belt as being from Our Legacy's AW08 collection. So I went scouting for it but unfortunately for me I was probably a couple of months too late. Instead I found this one, also by Our Legacy. Definitely the best option so far but, like the Ralph Lauren one, a bit too light for me.

Finally I stumbled on the perfect one, purely by coincident. While browsing A.P.C.'s web, I found it. Perfect width, the perfect chestnut-brown color and it comes in a number of sizes so it will probably fit even my abnormally skinny waist. Pictured below, on the left.