Rue La La » Sperry Top-Sider

Past & Present: Sperry Top-Sider Through the Decades

Julia Ivins — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 14:00:26 +0000

They are the emblem of all things preppy – but were they always? Take a peek into the history of this iconic American brand.

1930s: Paul Sperry invented the first boat shoe after using a knife to cut treads into the outsole of a sneaker. He was inspired by his dog Prince’s ability to effortlessly trek over ice.

1940s: The U.S. Navy began manufacturing the Top-Sider for its sailors. Due to the rationing of leather shoes during WWII, the design increased in popularity nationwide.

1980s: Top-Sider was mentioned in the tongue-in-cheek style guide, The Official Preppy Handbook (yep, it was a thing), and subsequently featured in many a John Hughes film.

2000s: After a decade out of the limelight (preppy just wasn’t cool in the 90s), Top-Siders appeared on Fashion Week runways, spurring a new generation of Sperry lovers.

Today: The nautical brand is a made-for-everyday staple. They launched their first stand-alone store in 2012 on Manhattan’s 5^th Avenue.

Our Sperry Top-Sider Women and Sperry Top-Sider Men Boutiques open Wednesday, March 27, at 11AM ET.

By Julia Ivins, Staff Writer

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Most Wanted: A Peek at This Week’s Boutiques

sstanley — Sun, 13 Jan 2013 19:00:50 +0000

1. Sir Alistair Rai scarf. My neutral tops are all chomping at the bit for their turn with this bold detail. Our Sir Alistair Rai Boutique opens Monday, January 14, at 11AM ET.

2. Core Bamboo tray. There really isn’t a more blatant (nor chic) hint at breakfast in bed. Our Be Bold, Be Bright: The Hue-Happy Kitchen Boutique opens Tuesday, January 15, at 3PM ET.

3. Sperry Top-Sider boot. Plaid lining, a rustic motif, and that borrowed-from-the-guys shape. These are a few of my favorite things. Our Sperry Top-Sider Women Boutique opens Monday, January 14, at 11AM ET.

4. Chooka rain boot. Finally, a rain boot that won’t leave me questioning the dimensions of my calves. Our A Splash of Cheer: Peppy Rain Boots Boutique opens Sunday, January 13, at 11AM ET.

By Sarah Stanley, Staff Writer

Looking forward to something next week? Let us know in the comments below, or tweet us at @ruelala.

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Corporate Survival 101

akuzia — Sat, 12 Jan 2013 15:00:44 +0000

6AM: Early morning run. Resolutions aren’t so hard to keep when the music (literally) plays to your own beat.

7AM: Choose a room-commanding power suit (just follow GQ’s tips for each body type) and remember to add accessories. Cuff links and accent socks go a long way.

8AM: Grab a cup of coffee and get to the office early to crush it.

9:30AM: Client meetings all morning. Although this is run-of-the-mill, don’t forget to brush up on your meeting skills to keep things running smoothly.

12PM: Conduct a meeting with senior management. Just don’t forget the fundamentals of business.

1PM: Lunch with the guys. Get away from the office for a quick bite, a walk, anything to help you clear your mind for an hour or so. Studies show that leaving your cube helps you think outside the box.

2PM: Take a client call and work on proposals and paperwork. This time also usually includes tweeting. That’s right – businessmen tweet, too.

6PM: Happy hour with coworkers and dinner on the town. Swap your office attire for a more casual button-down before heading out (yes, this requires planning ahead). Go for something with a fun, printed cuff to stand out from the sea of suits.

Our Workplace Warriors: Men’s Suiting Essentials Boutique opens Saturday, January 12, at 11AM ET.

By Abigail Kuzia, Editor

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