Christmas Magic in the City

The Waldorf Astoria is our favorite place to stay in NYC during the Christmas season. It's the perfect place for a group of friends to stay and celebrate the joys of Christmas before all the hustle and bustle. We couldn't be happier with the holiday workshop this weekend!  Peppermint candies, holiday cookies, cocoa, Christmas music, ornaments and elves personalizing gifts- The Brooks Brothers flat iron shop was truly magical this weekend and I don't think our fans will ever forget this wonderful holiday experience.

Time to Tailor Your Watch

Time to tailor your watch. Introducing the latest watch strap collection in 4 new styles. This will make the perfect accessory for the upcoming holiday season. Can be worn alone or with your favorite watch face. 

Head of the Charles Regatta

This weekend marked the 50th race of the Head of the Charles Regatta in Boston. It was a beautiful event with perfect New England weather. Thank you to everyone who visited the Kiel James Patrick workshop at the Brooks Brothers tent. Our team had a wonderful time hand-painting custom  bracelets and meeting so many of you. 

The English Summer look, with Royal Male

As we walked through the royal red Dutch door of the Royal Male, we found ourselves instantly transported through space and time. Like a kid in a candy store, we were overwhelmed with wonder. Richly colored accessories, vintage military uniforms and bits of British memorabilia were tastefully strewn about the pre-revolutionary building. We were immediately welcomed by Etienne de La Villette, dressed in that subtle yet dapper Scotch manner which his brand so tastefully captures.

The fascinating New York native masks his heritage with a refined Scottish brogue which, along with his French name, lends an air of mystery to an already mysterious individual. After discussing the origins of Tennis, the finest boarding schools in Scotland, and the availability of vintage champagne buckets, Etienne told us about the company’s inception.

“Both my Mother and Father were working in New York City. My father was with the Fur department at Saks Fifth Avenue, My mother was a buyer for Saks. They were always in retail, but they wanted to get out of New York City. They wanted to do their own thing.” Etienne tells me, while brandishing a pair of skillfully crafted Spanish-made boots.

“Filson, Barbour, Belstaff… a little more traditionally European. Wools, Waxed Cottons, older, more traditional fabrics for the outdoorsman rather than new Techno fabrics like polar fleece and nylon. That was not their thing. They wanted to have fun with their store.”

We fell into a serious conversation about quality, what it meant, and why it was lacking in modern fashion. “I am more interested in the quality of the material and the construction of the product rather than the label slapped on.” He tells me. “That’s where the customer comes in. Our customers share the same belief in the quality of the construction and material and goods.”

Of course, I asked Etienne why it was that he carried Kiel James Patrick amongst his stubbornly European collection.

“I carry Kiel James Patrick because he walked into the store and was looking at Barbour jackets. He said something about how the people he sells to carry them. I asked him what he made, he showed me his belt. I said “That’s a nice belt...but where do you make them?”. That was the important question. If they were made in China, I didn't want to buy them. He said they were made in Rhode Island. I placed an order.”

Etienne proceeded to peruse the racks to help us find the perfect look for an English, or New England summer. Offering advice on fabric, style, color, and combinations, we somehow ended up in a Mackintosh jacket, ascot, driving loafers by Austen Heller, and accessories by KJP. See the complete look at http://www.fivepointfox.com/.

“When a friend asks me, “what is the point of the store?” I always tell them the same thing: "We want to sell good stuff, good stuff that we like.” He replied. “British, French, Italian, Austrian, Irish, American made clothing. With Dad growing up in Europe, Mom in Northern California, me going to boarding school overseas, it just kind of feels like… well... us.”

Next time your wayward vessel drops anchor in Newport, make a pilgrimage to the Royal Male. You will not be disappointed. In fact, you will probably leave a little wiser, a tad more polished, and most assuredly, better dressed.

Meet the Adventurers

Six kids, one summer, endless adventures.

Adison Lawrence, @AdiLaw22

If you had an empty canteen and were going on an adventure, what would you fill it with?

Well, if it’s an adventure, we’re probably going to need some alcohol.

In 100 years, what would you want to be remembered for?

Helping others

If you had a sailboat, what would you name it?

“Black Pearl”

What’s in the back of your trunk?

It’s empty, I roll all the windows down including the trunk window

If you could train a monkey to do one thing, what would it be?

To talk or bar tend

What are three qualities that you admire in other people?

Honesty, an uplifting personality, and determined to succeed in all aspects of life

Drew Peterson, @DrewPeterson33 

If you had an empty canteen and were going on an adventure, what would you fill it with?

I know what my friends would say, but I’d fill it with Gatorade.

In 100 years, what would you want to be remembered for?

Just being happy, making others happy, and spreading positive vibes

If you had a sailboat, what would you name it?

“Wanderlust”

What’s in the back of your trunk?

Basketball

If you could train a monkey to do one thing, what would it be?

Tailor my clothes or rebound for me

What are three qualities that you admire in other people?

Someone who is passionately true to themselves, respects all, and handles every situation wholeheartedly

Hartley Mellick, @HMellick17

If you had an empty canteen and were going on an adventure, what would you fill it with?

Whiskey

In 100 years, what would you want to be remembered for?

Being the life of the party

If you had a sailboat, what would you name it?

“5280” because I’m from Denver, which is the Mile High City

What’s in the back of your trunk?

My tennis rackets and some water bottles

If you could train a monkey to do one thing, what would it be?

To fetch me a cup of coffee

What are three qualities that you admire in other people?

A sense of humor, selflessness, and hardworking

Julia Shingler, @JuliaShingler 

If you had an empty canteen and were going on an adventure, what would you fill it with?

Sun Drop

In 100 years, what would you want to be remembered for?

Enjoying life

If you had a sailboat, what would you name it?

“Green-Eyed Lady”

What’s in the back of your trunk?

Golf clubs and golf shoes

If you could train a monkey to do one thing, what would it be?

Pick out my clothes

What are three qualities that you admire in other people?

Supportive, funny, and loyal

McBryde Campbell, @CharlesMcBryde

If you had an empty canteen and were going on an adventure, what would you fill it with?

Water…

In 100 years, what would you want to be remembered for?

My Grandchildren. Also, having a planet named after myself.

If you had a sailboat, what would you name it?

“Swallow”, or maybe “Amazon”

What’s in the back of your trunk?

Some shotgun shells, school books, and a Sea Lion names Aloysius

If you could train a monkey to do one thing, what would it be?

Trade Stocks

What are three qualities that you admire in other people?

Leadership, humility, and kindhearted honesty

Sean Burke, @SeanGaleBurke

If you had an empty canteen and were going on an adventure, what would you fill it with?

Pelligrino

In 100 years, what would you want to be remembered for?

My photography

If you had a sailboat, what would you name it?

“Posh”

What’s in the back of your trunk?

A lot of sailing gear

If you could train a monkey to do one thing, what would it be?

Dry clean 

What are three qualities that you admire in other people?

Hardworking, ambitious, and honest

Off-Roading Adventure

One afternoon, after discovering old charter maps tucked away in a drawer, we took it upon ourselves to search for the Cape Poge Lighthouse. With two Jeeps full of adventure seekers, we made our way towards the sandy paths of the Cape Poge Wildlife Refuge.

Along the way our route was redirected by the changes in the ocean tide, but that just made us more determined to discover our destination. We were so proud of our navigation skills as we caught a glimpse of the Cape Poge Lighthouse at the end of the trail.

The landscape was undeniably beautiful: rolling sand dunes covered with sea oats and the slow tumble of the crashing waves. We all agreed it was a nice change from the busy pace of the city.

The spontaneous adventure was well worth the sunburns and sandy feet, and makes us even more excited for the other journeys waiting for us down the road.