On the Coffee Table: Hollywood and the Ivy Look

"Hollywood and the Ivy Look" is the definitive reference book of preppy American style as popularized by young Hollywood actors from 1955 to 1965.  It features many previously unreleased, full-page photographs of Hollywood style icons, and also includes behind-the-scenes shots from the films that helped cement the "ivy look" into the young American style consciousness at the time.  With minimal, yet amusing and interesting text, it's clearly all about the gorgeous pictures and the appreciation of classic men's fashion.  The relaxed and effortless approach to fashion as demonstrated by these Hollywood men is what inspires my own personal style and attitude.

Published by Reel Art Press and written by Tony Nourmand, a specialist in entertainment imagery, and Graham Marsh, who also authored "The Ivy Look: Classic American Clothing-A Pocket Guide," this book is a worthy addition to any preppy enthusiast's library.

Above images via Reel Art Press

Papa Knows Best

January Playlist: Log Cabin

Instead of posting my playlists mid-month as I've done in the past, I want to start getting them up towards the beginning of the month, which means you can actually listen to the January playlist...in January!  Also, I've moved all my playlists over to Spotify, including this one, so you can listen to whatever you want, whenever you want.  Download Spotify for free, because it's super cool.  I recommend listening to this playlist during a chilly morning walk or by the fireside somewhere in the Northeastern woods...enjoy!

Listen on Spotify now!

Knot Yourself

I think this promotion for Alexander Olch neckwear is quite clever and very well done.  There is nothing sexier than a woman wearing a necktie...well, perhaps sans moustache.  Starring the lovely Aurélie Claudel, a tutorial on the four-in-hand knot...

Family of the Year 2012

Image via IndieMusicFilter

Feeling rested and ready to tackle the new year?  Well I certainly am after my brief repose from posting, but I am back and excited to get things moving again.  And what better way to ring in the new year than with a dance party on the beach!  I've been listening to Family of the Year's newest and incredibly catchy single "St. Croix" a lot lately and it has a really cool Beach Boys inspired, retro beach themed video by Oscar nominated director Jessica Sanders. 


You may recognize Family of the Year by their song "Chugjug", which played in an incredibly catchy Advil commercial last year, and is also on my June Playlist.  Consisting of brothers Sebastian and Joseph Keefe, who grew up on Martha's Vineyard, James Buckey from Florida, and Christina Shroeter from Orange County, CA, the band takes advantage of their beachy roots for a nice mix of harmony driven, throwback surf pop.



And you can download St. Croix for FREE courtesy of Spinner.com!

The 12 Days of Christmas December Playlist

From the day after Thanksgiving until now I get tired of hearing the same Christmas songs that repeat on the radio.  So, with Christmas upon us, I put together a few choice holiday tunes that aren't so overplayed that will last you through the New Year.  Grab a mug of cocoa and snuggle up by the fire, there's still time to enjoy the holidays - they don't call it the 12 days of Christmas for nothing.  Happy Holidays to all!

Or listen on Spotify!

Wild West Wedding

Image via Vogue

Two weeks ago Vogue published the exclusive photos from David Lauren and wife, Lauren Bush's, Western-inspired wedding, which took place at Ralph's  Double RL ranch in Colorado this past Labor Day weekend.  With Ralph Lauren as the groom's father, it's no surprise that the event combined classic elegance with true American flair.  Ralph Lauren designed the bride's gown himself in an antique tulle with Swarovski crystal, bead, and pearl details.  Along with David's Old West inspired tux and boots, I think this aesthetic is quite awesome.


Check out the rest of the photos featured in Vogue and read the article here.