Moleskin Season

Photos by/of Muffy Aldrich

Corduroy gets all of the press this time of year, but Moleskin feels just as prevalent.  In trousers, but also everything from trim to the lining of hand warmer pockets. And on Lionel Hardcastle.

Recent Clothing Arrivals - A Round-Up

Cordings of Piccadilly has just begun their Ladies Promotion, 20% off across the collection, and a great time to take advantage of their quintessentially British offerings. 

Shown here:

• The Garden Room Liberty Shirt Made with Tana Lawn™

• Magical Blooms Liberty Shirt Made with Tana Lawn™ Cotton

• Oriana Liberty Shirt Made with Tana Lawn™ Cotton

• Capel Floret Liberty Shirt Made with Tana Lawn™ Cotton

• Tattersall Frill Collar Shirt

• Harris Donegal Diamond Fairisle Crewneck

The Garden Room Liberty Shirt, Magical Blooms Liberty Shirt, Oriana Liberty Shirt, Capel Floret Liberty Shirt

Tattersall Frill Collar Shirt and Harris Donegal Diamond Fairisle Crewneck

Bosie’s thick and super soft (and really beautiful) Blue Mogganer Women's Siren Merino Polo Neck Sweater in Serpentine Green. Made in Scotland of 100% Geelong Lambswool.

• Blue Mogganer Womens Siren Merino Polo Neck Sweater - Serpentine Green

Shown with:

• Dubarry of Ireland Galway Boots in Ivy

Is the L.L. Bean Boat and Tote the Single Most Iconic New England Preppy Item?

I was quoted in The Guardian this week with ‘“[LL Bean totes] may be the single most iconic East Coast Preppy item today. And fittingly, it is almost impossible to walk through any coastal New England town without running into one.”’

Read the whole article, and more of my quotes, here: https://www.theguardian.com/fashion/2026/oct/22/how-the-canvas-tote-bag-went-from-supermarket-staple-to-status-symbol

Only in the right colors.

They are goodwill ambassadors for coastal New England. Even appearing in international television shows, such as Sweden's Sandhamn Murders (Meurtres A Sandhamn).

However, I realize there may be other valid opinions. Given that, what is your opinion for the “Single Most Iconic New England Preppy Item?”

Links:

• L.L.Bean Boat and Tote, Open-Top

• L.L.Bean Boat and Tote, Zip-Top

A Reader Question: Quoddy Head Boat shoe v. Quoddy Runabout shoe?

 A reader question:

Interested in the community's (including you) thoughts or experience with Quoddy Head Boat shoe v. their Runabout shoe.

Links:

• Quoddy Head Boat Shoe: Brown

• Quoddy Runabout Shoe: Brown

A Reader Question: Suggestions for the five year wedding anniversary gift

A reader question:

Dear Muffy, 

My wife’s and my five year wedding anniversary is coming up, and I am coming up empty on gift ideas. I know the traditional gift is wood, but so much of that seems very chintzy. Any help from you or the readers would be greatly appreciated. 

All the Best, 

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

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