Club Chair Bulletin #1
Denim, Bourdain, Ivy Homework, and LIVE
Welcome to the first Club Chair Bulletin from The Prep Club. I am looking to have these shorter messages in off-weeks for the club, in order to share a few scrappy bits and pieces that are interesting to me, as many writers on this platform do. So please join me for a round up of personal acquisitions, interests and reccs.
Pickups:
Oops! All Jeans
It’s a fairly common story, one makes a purchase within a category, and the shortly thereafter comes across another example which they cannot reasonably leave behind. Such is the story behind how I ended up with two pairs of new (to me) jeans. Whether I’ll keep both I am so far undecided, they are both lovely, and each have their unique charm, it’ll perhaps be a case of which get pulled out of the wardrobe more often.
Made in Mexico Wrangler cowboy cuts.
I’ve always liked the Wrangler cowboy cut as a concept, and always been slightly disappointed by the ones I’ve come across, particularly by the mid rise. I’ve always sought out a higher rise than traditional jeans offer, my 501s, which after a hole appeared in the knee have been relegated to DIY clothes, prompting this purchase, are two sizes too big at the waist, but they sit comfortably when it comes to rise. These wranglers, inexplicably, sit reasonably comfortably, though are a little snug in the front they will do nicely to fill the boots of the Levi’s whilst I try my hand at Sashiko.
Polo Jeans Co. Relaxed Fit
Now these were one hell of a find. Polo Jeans Co. is perhaps not the most pedigreed of RL diffusion brands. What you must understand dear members, is that these cost me £22.50, and further, the rise is perfect. I’m not quite sure about the model, they are labelled as “relaxed fit”, their rise suggests they might be a ladies’ cut, yet the waist size (32 shrunk to 30) and functional pockets suggest otherwise. Regardless, they make for a very lovely pair of jeans, darker than the Wranglers, though not by much, I have a particular affinity for jeans without exaggerated fading. They are also much more generous in fit in almost all aspects, though the subtle taper of the Polos means the leg openings are very similar.
Three Recommendations
Rewatching Bourdain’s The Layover - Go somewhere, for a limited amount of time, do as much as possible in that time. In regards to format its hardly a unique show, but watching Bourdain always functions to warm my soul, the openness and unabashed curiosity about the way of life of others. The Layover I do think is Bourdain at his best, presented in a slick and mature fashion, well worth a rewatch or two, even if half the places he goes are closed now.
German Army undershirts - If you were on menswear Instagram last summer, you quite possibly witnessed a sudden hysteria for German army surplus tank tops, provided by a certain Danish surplus store. Understandably so, they are the perfect expression of the tank, but at £10 a piece and only available in packs of three, when considering large shipping costs too, they become a little prohibitive for underwear. For those looking to layer with a white rib, allow me to put you on to the German Army undershirt, available for three for £10. With a short sleeve they also function to keep your underarms pristine. I look at them as a sacrificial garment, able to be bleached when they get ratty and keeping general body gunk off my nice Oxfords.
Articles of Interest: Ivy Style - I am certainly late to this one, but if one has not yet listened to Avery Trufelman’s comprehensive, considered, and considerate history of Ivy Style they are severely missing out on a great deal of knowledge on the style. For me, this is essential listening, the fastest way to get up to speed and be able to speak on Ivy Style with suitable understanding of its provenance, as well as being a masterclass in clothing journalism. Note, I do disagree with the suggestion made in the final episode that the modern person requires stretch garments in order to feel comfortable.
Why the club looks like this now
I touched briefly on why I chose to rebrand the club in our last meeting. I wanted here to elaborate a little further on some of my choices and ethos. From its inception I’ve always thought of this publication as having a physical space which the club inhabits. Whilst it is certainly pretence, I’ve found it to be very valuable in the creation of a concept under which I can publish, a thread of coherence. I’ve tried to express this physical space in the new design work, pulling in collegiate inspiration wherever possible.
With consideration of this, I’d like to draw your attention to two new pages on the site, the pinboard and the store directory. The pinboard links out to a number of relevant Pinterest boards, and the store directory will serve as a regularly updated list of my favourite online retailers, with a UK bias I’m afraid as that’s what I’m plugged into.
On the Radar
Important Reading
A very generous friend of mine has lent me his copy of Black Ivy: A Revolt in Style, a book which certainly holds a place within the essential Ivy Style reading list, and one of great importance. Articles of Interest as mentioned above has already gotten me thinking more about the social importance of Ivy, I’m looking forward to widening my perspective more, and am very appreciative of my friend’s generosity.
Speaking of whom…
On Air
I’ll be going live with Cas AKA. Mexican Boots Boy on Sunday 17th March, at 19:00 GMT, on Instagram. To discuss, among other points of interest, the state of purchasing great vintage clothing at affordable prices, in 2024. Please join @callumgilesme / @mxn_boots_boy for some light, yet hopefully informative Sunday entertainment.
The Turntable
To close, a record recommendation. I’m picking an old favourite: Chet Baker Sings, by Chet Baker. A soft, warm, record which, to me, oozes comfort. I’ve been quite terribly busy as of late, so finding some comfort in a record perhaps makes up for the lack of comfort in my current routine.