A Few Scans from My Father's 1961 J. Press Catalog, My Mother's 1961 Ann Taylor Catalog, and Some Random Labels and Tags

All Photos and Scans by Muffy Aldrich

A few old labels, tags, and catalog scans (from 1961), all courtesy of my parents.

 

Talking Green Crabs This Morning

Photos by Muffy Aldrich

Talking Green Crabs... with a Wormer

 

A Reader Question: What state is the preppiest, and why?

 A Reader Question:

Dear Muffy,

I discovered your blog about a year ago and love it.  I have a question for your readers, if I may.

Is there an opinion about what state is considered to be the preppiest?   I don't mean just the preppiest New England, though it may well be a New England state.  I mean throughout the entire United States?   Also why?  What do they consider to be the criteria? 

With many thanks! 

 

October New Items

All Photos by/of Muffy Aldrich

October, per usual, has been busy, with more items starting to show up at the door.

• Lotuff Canvas Zip-Top Medium Tote

Zip-Top Canvas and Vegetable Tanned Leather

Made in New England

Mariner's Blue

Also using, the Lotuff Canvas Working Tote in Hunter’s Green-Chestnut (also available in Mariner’s Blue).

• Lotuff Canvas Working Tote

Their Larger Working Tote in Hunter’s Green-Chestnut

My husband’s latest book! This one is for all of us, not just those in the corporate, military, or academic landscapes like most of his previous books. I think it is especially relevant now, given the state we are in, where we all need to build communities that feed our inner heroes. (My little contribution - editor.)

• How to Matter on Amazon

And the first reviews are also coming in.  

“Short yet powerful and incredibly insightful. A fantastic, smart guide to discovering the hero with’n us. I love it! Practical and thought-provoking, the kind of book that stays with you long after you’ve turned the last page.”

“Five stars out of five.”

“Slim but powerful... A jolting bit of reality...”

A Reader Question: Is Jaguar on the right track?

 A reader question:

Dear Muffy

I write from across the pond.  Many of us have been watching with interest the launch of the new Jaguar car in NYC this week.  Opinion here is divided on whether this an exciting new chapter for a venerable brand, or a disaster in the making.  What do your readers think?

kind regards 

Link: Car and Driver: https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a74036834/2028-jaguar-type-01-revealed/ 

A Reader Question: Preppiest Colleges? (repost)

A reader question:

Dear Muffy,

I came across this list of the 40 preppiest colleges in the U.S. and thought of your site <https://www.instagram.com/reel/DKvQsujt6SG/>.  Their top ten are:

1) Amherst College

2) Bowdoin College

3) Colby College

4) Colgate University

5) Dartmouth College

6) Duke University

7) Georgetown University

8) Middlebury College

9) Princeton University

10) Trinity College

How close do your readers think they got?

Thank you 

October Photos Along the New England Coast

Photos by/of Muffy Aldrich

• Dubarry - Galway Ladies Country Boot

A Reader Question: Any insights into or implications of the loss of the L.L. Bean Norwegian sweater?

 A reader question:

Dear Editor,

Today, while visiting the newly designed L.L. Bean flagship in Freeport, I noticed I couldn’t find the Heritage Norwegian Sweaters (Birdseye, Navy) anywhere. So, I spoke to an employee there and later used L.L. Bean’s customer service online chat to confirm they are no longer selling them. I have no clue if this is temporary or more permanent, but I do find it upsetting. 

To me, that is a flagship product of theirs. I realize it’s also one of their pricier products, which would explain why they offer a $89-$99 version of a navy birdseye sweater in Ragg Wool. Though, who could say where that particular version is made.

My question is if you have any insights into the loss of the Norwegian sweater and if this is a larger issue with LLB continuing to attempt to appeal to a different customer base than in years and decades past.

Best,

Links:

• Men's Bean's Classic Ragg Wool Sweater, Crewneck, Bird's-Eye sweater
• Men's Organic Cotton Waffle Sweater, Rollneck Crew, Bird's-Eye 
• Women's The Original Double L® Sweater, Rollneck Bird's-Eye 
• Women's The Original Double L® Sweater, Crewneck Bird's-Eye
• Men's Bean's Classic Ragg Wool Sweater, Rollneck, Birds'-Eye 

Ancient Madder Bow Ties and Tattersall Shirts

Bow Ties: Old J. Press

Tattersalls: Older Mercer and Sons 

(Similar Mercer:  James Bond Brushed Cotton Flannel Tattersall <https://mercerandsons.com/collections/larger-checks-plaids/products/james-bond-tattersall-brushed-cotton-flannel>)