Prep Essentials: Needlepoint Belt

Preps have long been using their belts as an accessory that also allows them to express their style even more. The canvas belt is a popular item for the more casual occasion, but when it's time to go more formal, it has to be the needlepoint belt.

There are many companies that have custom needlepoint belts; popular styles include having your name written in nautical flags, or the monogram. These belts can be quite pricey, and costs can be a couple hundred dollars per belt.

Thankfully, Taylor Llewellyn set out to solve the problem of expensive needlepoint belts. After graduating from Colgate, the corporate grind got old fast for Taylor, and he kept wishing to be on Cape Cod with a beer in hand. The quintessential prep attitude, right there. From his website, Mr. Llewellyn says, "I set out in 2007 to create a line of needlepoint products that would be second to none in quality, while not breaking the bank." He went to Asia to find a manufacturer for his own needlepoint belts, which would later be the brand Tucker Blair.

So, where did the name Tucker Blair come from? Mr. Llewellyn says that Tucker and Blair are both family names, which sounded good to him. He had the name of his company. Today, Tucker Blair follows a business model that gives the customer the best deal: a 100% needlepoint belt from Tucker Blair costs $95. And that's when they aren't on sale. The belts are only for sale online, which helps to keep the price down. So, if you want to get your hands on one these great needlepoint belts, be sure to check out the selection at Tucker Blair. Oh yeah, they also have free shipping.