Photo by Muffy Aldrich
THE THING BEFORE PREPPY

Saturday, March 21, 2026

The Ultimate Easter Baskets by Mystic Knotwork - Made in New England

Photos by Muffy Aldrich
Why these are the ultimate Easter Baskets:

They are made by hand in Mystic Connecticut, are good looking, have oodles of charm, are nautical and reusable.  And perhaps most importantly, they do not hold a great deal of candy.

But you might want to thrown in a Sailor Bracelet alongside all that candy.  Or two.  Or three.



 

Friday, March 20, 2026

Thursday, March 19, 2026

A Walk through Fenwick

The Fenwick Historic District was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1995 which included 66 of the cottages and 195 acres. - Photos by Muffy Aldrich
Fenwick is a borough of one of the oldest towns in Connecticut, Old Saybrook.  A summer colony since the late 19th century, it currently consists of 77 houses that sit on 238 acres at the mouth of the Connecticut River. Architecturally, it is known for its Shingle Style cottages.
In the 1980's, when real estate prices began to climb, many families who had inherited houses couldn't afford not to sell, signaling the entry of new families and newer money.  ''Every place changes.  Maybe when new people bought houses they perceived the place fancier than it really is -- like the Hamptons. They want their SubZero kitchens and to jazz it up but that's everywhere.''  -  Charles Brainard





The 9-hole Fenwick Golf Course was first laid out in the 1890's and updated in 1930.


 

Monday, March 16, 2026

The Daily Prep: Rain Beats Snow Edition

Photos: Muffy Aldrich
Rain is better than snow right now for so many reasons.  Number one - the Barbours come out.


 

Sunday, March 15, 2026

A Reader Question: Where would you go in the UK?

 A reader question:

Hi Muffy,

May I ask the readers a question please

If you were offered a free vacation all expenses paid to anywhere in the UK what would your preferred destination be?

Kind regards


Friday, March 13, 2026

A Reader Question: The Breton Red and Nantucket Red Fix

 A reader question:

Muffy,  I also have a question for the community.  I like the color Nantucket/Breton Red.  I assume they are the same thing, but if not I am happy to be corrected.  My own experience with wearing Nantucket Reds involved getting pants that were not comfortable and did not fit well.  Do readers get them tailored, or do they find other sources for Nantucket Reds?  Or does a hat or shirt meet the need without the work?  

Thank you,

Tuesday, March 10, 2026

A Reader Question: Best Clam Chowder? Best Canned Clam Chowder

Photos by/of Muffy Aldrich

A reader question:

What is the best clam chowder in New England?  And for those who can't make it, what is the best canned clam chowder that you have tasted? Any recommendations? 

At the Black Pearl

 

Friday, March 6, 2026

Wednesday, March 4, 2026

Mercer Shirt Delivery! Including Their New "Kind of Green" Oxford

Photos by Muffy Aldrich
A Mercer shirt delivery always makes for a good day, and today's included two "old" favorites and a new green oxford.   
While green is not what I tend to think of when it comes to oxford cloth button downs, their new Kind of Green intrigued me, brighter than many I have seen, and playing quite nicely with pinks and blues.  So I am very much looking forward to giving it a spin.  (Right now it is getting a spin in the washer.)

And this time they also included their most recent swatches, all of which tempt.
Greens are notoriously hard to photograph.  This is more accurate than the first photo.

The Test Drive
Shown with:
Classic Blue Bengal Stripe Broadcloth in the Sun