RUGBY Ralph Lauren on Newbury St.

So I was requested to check out and review the RUGBY store on Newbury St. by a reader, Vince.  Luckily, today was a beautiful, sunny day in Boston, which is the perfect forecast for strolling Newbury St.  I have to be honest, I have never entered the RUGBY store before today.  I always thought it was too preppy for me and that if I walked in I'd only be met by stuck up sales people who fit the RUGBY mold and have no inclination to actually shop the store.  Boy do I need to eat some humble pie.  All of my assumptions were wrong...

At first arrival at the front of the store, I immediately loved their window display.  Two men and two women mannequins wore excellent outfits, all of which I would wear if I were you. 

The building's facade has a very old school British air about it.  It was actually a refreshing break from the rest of the street's in your face storefronts.  As you enter the front door, you find yourself in a small entryway that is closed off from the actual retail part of the store by a heavy green fabric curtain.  A green, I might mention, is reminiscent of the classic Polo cologne bottle.In any event, I took this alone time to admire the photography and style that RUGBY is implementing in their store aesthetic.

As you can see, there is a heavy influence of vintage turn of the 20th century photographs, mostly of rugby players and games, but also including pictures of the era itself. The second surprise was that as I walked into the retail space I was immediately greeted by the dashingly daring Evan Michael, a local designer and former co-worker of mine.  Not to mention, the exact opposite of a stuck up salesperson.  As always, Evan was looking fly as hell and also rocking the RUGBY look.  I LOVE his Marc Jacobs lensless glasses.  Only someone this damn chic and sure of himself could pull it off.  He was also dressed in great pastels which I loved, and which were bookended from head to toe by a gorgeous white bow tie and excellent white loafers.  And, as anyone who has it together as much as Evan does, he was wearing the elegant and sweet Pi by Givenchy. Yummy!

Back to RUGBY.  I absolutely love the store.  Even though it is not huge inside and the warm tones and dark hardwood floors only accentuate this, the store does have physical depth to it and the furnishings only make you feel more at home.  Great big leather couches and chairs are spread throughout the space.  And you'll also see an ore or two.  RUGBY on Newbury has done a great job utilizing their space as well.  Unlike the new J. Crew Men's Shop in the Copley Mall, RUGBY has mad their space not feel cramped and claustrophobic.  There's a great walking path straight through the store that leads you take the proper detours to explore the great collection.  Clothing is hung and folded in every nook and cranny.  And though I grazed my head on a cute top every now and then, I couldn't stop loving the fact that I was surrounded by clothes. 

Of course you have your typical polo shirts, rugby shirts and shorts in greens and reds, but what I admired most was the fact that there was a quality among the clothes and variety that held up to the Ralph Lauren name.  A gorgeous Italian linen blazer was featured on a body form in the front of the store.

By no means am I a photographer, so if you can't see the gorgeous detail on this blazer, check it out here:
http://www.rugby.com/shop/item.aspx?productId=11161364&categoryId=3138719&cp=3138868

This is the Newbury Herringbone Jacket, shown here in tan, but also available in a black herringbone.  The tan version also has a matching vest.  The Newbury Jacket is also available in a Linen Plaid and Glen Plaid as well, all of which can be purchased at the store on Newbury St. or online. What I loved about this piece is that it is made of such a fine quality while looking and being extremely wearable.  It's tailored fit is also something new the company played with this season in their Italian suiting line.  This is a definite must have if you're looking to sophisticate your spring/summer look this season.

Continuing through the store, I ventured into the women's section, which was fierce! Specifically this top, http://www.rugby.com/shop/item.aspx?productId=11198351&categoryId=3372856&cp=3138869.  This is one of the tops featured in the window display.  In person and on the body, it looks amazing.  You could also couple it with a great cardigan or smart blazer.  The women's collection is great for very structured basics as well as unique signature pieces.  Anything in the store would be a chic addition to your wardrobe.

Something I wasn't such a big fan of which popped up in the women's collection, was combining their motorcycle inspired pieces with the softer RUGBY line.  Separate, they are great pieces.  But showing them together didn't really work for me.  However as I talked with salesperson, Brooke, we both admired this Sanne Leather Jacket: http://www.rugby.com/shop/item.aspx?productId=11005186&categoryId=3138774&cp=3138869 . 

The leather on this jacket is exquisite and the color is supreme.  As with all of the textiles used in the RUGBY line, this piece is is such a high quality item. 

I was lucky enough to meet the General Manager, Kerry, and we had a great discussion about the brand and its visibility in Boston.  Seeing as how I've lived in Boston since 2006 and never even stepped into the store and was so pleasantly surprised today, I'd love to hear more about the RUGBY store and the great clothing that they supply.  Apparently they do a great sponsorship event with a non profit, NEST.  Please check this amazing organization out at: http://www.buildanest.com/.  I hope to see more events like this or even just some fabulous soiree.

Here was the last big surprise. RUGBY is also running "The hunt for the next great poet" contest.  You submit your poem online, and the winner receives a $1,000 RUGBY wardrobe.  So if you're a budding poet, go for it!  This was a great surprise, to see a clothing store run such a great contest.











If you'd like to learn more about the Newbury St. store or the RUGBY Ralph Lauren brand in general, check them out at http://www.rugby.com/. Or just stop by our Boston store at 342 Newbury St. and you will get excellent customer service and outfit suggestions.

Cheers,
The Chic Chanteur