Thanks,

SS, Opelika, AL

Hey SS,
Sounds like a nice get up and you are smart to go with linen. It will let you breath and not sweat through your suit, even on the dance floor. And wrinkles in linen are a sign of quality, so let it wrinkle.

As for you tie quandary, usually white is reserved for tails only and should not even be worn with a tuxedo. And that white would be cotton pique. What is the fabric of your white tie? Seersucker or linen? You could get away with it in that case. Otherwise, I would sport something a little more graphic. You already have the blue linen suit and pink shirt, which I assume are both muted light color. Why not shake it up with a bright red stripe tie or yellow, green, navy or bright pink even? Hope this helps. Have fun.
Cordially,
SP

I am a bit taken aback at the conspicuous absence of Auburn University on your recent preppy college poll especially after the painful inclusion of the University of Alabama. Being an alumnus (and ex-lineback – WDE) of the loveliest village on the plains, I am wounded.

On a side-note, I am somewhat new to this site and am enjoying it quite a lot. Cheers.

Hello Hunter,
Welcome to SP and WDE! You may or may not know that SP is a proud AU grad, was Greek and enjoyed the whole experience on the Plains perhaps too much. As much as it pains me to say it, AU is not that prep. The last time I was on campus, nothing had changed. Frat boys wearing party t-shirts, stand-up shorts, Croakies and flip flops. All with seriously brushed Bieber cuts (although the Southern Bangs haircut exceeds little Bieber by about a decade down South), so it is obvious the guys thought about the look ahead of time. If AU wants to join the prep, the brothers need to step it up.
Cordially,
SP

I noticed a glaring omission on your poll of Preppy Colleges. I am, of course, thinking of Wake Forest University, the premier preppy school in the country. Even worse, Duke was included while Wake was left out. Is it possible to add the Deacs to the poll? I wouldn’t want to see another school wearing an ill-fitting preppy crown.

Thanks in advance.

At lunch today at a national fast food restaurant, I observed an example of some of the worst table manners I have seen. A group of 8 or 9 year old students were dropping food on the floor, standing in chairs, talking loud, all the while their teachers were not paying attention. It took all I could do to withhold comments to the teachers. I realize it is not our education system to teach manners, it is the parents. If parents of school age children read SP, please teach your little ones table manners. Poor table manners as a child equals poor table manners as an adult.

The bow ties sell out each season as they are limited-edition. The new Spring 2011 collection will be online at wwwbrooksbrothers.com and in select Brooks stores in Mid-April.
Cordially,
SP

Dear BB,
This is a great idea and one that we are working on. Stay tuned!
Cordially,
SP